"Beautiful Viana" a Viana do Castelo Travel Page by ntm2322

Send Photo to a Friend

At the fountain with my son

Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful cities in North of Portugal. If you appreciate genuine, typical places then visit this city.

I spent one full year there right after returning from Africa in 1976 and in the following years I went back to spend Christmas with my grandmother and auntie who lived together. All the family gathered in their house and we were about 40 people, a huge family indeed (and one of the oldest of the region).

Viana do Castelo is situated in the North of Portugal, Minho province.

The major industry of Viana do Castelo is naval construction and the city possesses the only shipyard that exists in Portugal.

The most remarkable buildings of Viana do Castelo are from the era of King Afonso III who founded the town in 1253.

Viana’s traditional folklore is one of the best of Portugal.

Sites of interest

Castelo do Neiva

Main Square with its 1553 water fountain and 1598 Misericórdia house

City Museum housed in the Palace of Barbosa Maciel (situated in the main square)

15th century Cathedral (closed to the main square)

18th Century Chapel Nossa Senhora da Agonia situated in the northwest part of Viana
In August each year there is a three-day festival to honor Nossa Senhora da Agonia. This festival draws thousands of visitors to the city.

16th Century S. Domingos Church in the square of S. Domingos

Basilica de Santa Luzia, situated on top of the hill of Monte Santa Luzia (here you can have a eye-bird of Viana and take some shots).